An LGBT supporter attended Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s inaugural address in 2015. Survey results from nearly 900 transgender Michigan residents were released Wednesday that show they want more support in the state. Results are part of a national survey conducted in 2015.(Photo: Associated Press)

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission finally said it will include sexual orientation and gender identity in its list of protected groups.

Last week’s decision comes 35 years after Rep. James Dressel (R-Holland) introduced an amendment to the state constitution to provide the same protection, which was shot down that year and each subsequent year it has come up.

Kudos to the commission, who did what 35 years worth of Michigan legislators could not accomplish: To give LGBTQ people a process to address unfair practices in employment, education, housing, real estate, public services and the use of public accommodations.

As it should be.

Prior to last week, employers and landlords could fire or evict LGBTQ people without notice, cause or fear of repercussion. Now those who do may have to answer for their bias and these unfair practices.

In a 5-0-1 vote, the commission voted to expand its interpretation of the word ‘sex’ in the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

It’s one of the most significant steps toward equality the state has taken.

But the fight for equality is far from over.

"We're thrilled, obviously. This is an important step for LGBT people in the state of Michigan to be treated equally under the law," said Stephanie White, executive director of Equality Michigan.

However to become a permanent part of state law, Michigan’s legislators – a majority of which are Republican, many with upcoming elections to think about – must finally close the loophole and amend the state constitution.

Because it’s the right thing to do.

Gov. Snyder said as much in 2014 when he stated that he hoped legislators would make the amendment; business leaders also weighed in, forming a statewide coalition to push for inclusion; the tourism industry spoke out, including one statement that called for catering to all tourists and convention goers with fairness, equality and respect.

And repeatedly over the years, the LSJ Editorial Board has called for our legislators to amend Elliott-Larsen – most recently in June 2016, following the Orlando nightclub shooting and in August of 2017 when the commission also considered interpretation of the word ‘sex’ to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

We renew that call.

The time is now for Michigan legislators to do the right thing and amend the constitution. To close the loophole and make LGBTQ protections and equality permanent.

– an LSJ editorial

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The LSJ Editorial Board speaks for the LSJ as an institution. Editorials do not carry an individual byline because stances on issues are never decided by one person. Contact the board by emailing opinions@lsj.com.